cliff. republicans and democrats in congress appeared no closer to a compromise. here's abc's tahman bradley. >> reporter: congressional republicans' counterproposal was dead on arrival. the white house quickly rejected the $2.2 trillion deficit reduction plan, that would raise $800 billion in tax revenue over the next decade. but the plan calls for raising the revenue without raising tax rates on top income earners, something the white house views as unacceptable. during a photo op, the president avoided questions about the gop plan. >> no deal better than a bad deal, sir? >> reporter: a senior white house official called the proposal a step backwards. saying if republicans do not agree to some higher tax rates for the wealthy, the nation will go over the fiscal cliff, and the american people will hold them responsible. democrats also take issue with the proposal's spending cuts to medicare and social security. republican counter that tough cuts are needed to tackle the soaring debt, leavin